Open House and Ribbon Cutting at the U
Here's your chance to visit Acadiana's newest venue and enjoy a real Ragin' Cajun open house. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette welcomes members of the community and alumni to experience the new Student Union during our open house celebration.
Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary food and beverages as you explore the new Union, including 45,000 sq. ft. of event space.
The event starts at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, with a ribbon cutting under the the old porch (in front of Cypress Lake) followed by a walk through of the renovated Bayou Bijou Theater and Atchafalaya Ballroom. You'll also have an opportunity to explore 20 additional meeting and event rooms. A dedication of the Helma B. Constantine Forum will take place at 5 p.m.
The event will wind down with teas from across the world at our Office of International Affairs and desserts and coffees distributed in our new University Bookstore.
For more information please contact 337-482-6400 or email us at BooktheU@Louisiana.edu.
See more events for Opening Weekend >
Brief history of the Student Union
So how did this dream of a new Union building became reality? Plans for this newest building in the complex began in May, 1965. On November 17, 1965 the USL Student Body approved the referendum for the new building and during the Spring of 1966 began paying a self-imposed fee of $10 in the fall and spring semesters and $5 in the summer session for the Student Union. In September 1966 a USL Union director for the complex was appointed. In September 1967 the State Board of Education approved plans and specifications for the building. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on April 29, 1969. Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held March 9, 1971 with completion in January 2015.